This natural horseshoe climbs from the Old Church across the flanks of Steel Knotts to the head of Fusedale then up onto the eastern skyline joining the Roman road heading south for High Raise and Rampsgill Head. Break right at the Straits of Riggindale to include The Knott, Rest Dodd and, passing Angle Tarn, claim Angletarn Pikes, before continuing north onto Beda Head. There are no obvious hazards, some paths are heavily used, some pleasantly lightly trod.

One of the most popular round trips the Coledale Round culminates upon Eel Crag, taking in Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Eel Crag, Sail and Outerside en route. Walkers can include further scenic summits if inclined with Grasmoor, Wandope, Scar Crags and Causey Pike with Barrow a final flourish. In wet conditions the small rock-step on the east ridge of Eel Crag calls for care, in normal conditions you’ll skip down!

A sensational skyline circuit embracing the great amphithreatre of Riggindale. Climbing the wonderfully revealing Rough Crags/Long Stile ridge onto High Street before following the ridge wall down via the Straits of Riggindale to visit the summits of Rampsgill Head and Kidsty Pike. The tour concludes in the company of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk down the eastern slopes via Kidsty Howes thereby linking back to the valley path and regaining the dalehead car park.

If you have little, or no sense, of the whereabouts of this enchanting valley and the special qualities of its bounding ridges – you’ll not be alone. I really must encourage you to make time for a fell-roving visit: the walk is a delightful combination of scenery, gathering up a string of little summits before delving into the secretive green strath of Borrowdale, located in the Lake District’s ‘lost’ south-eastern quarter.

An exhilarating climb via Dungeon Ghyll onto Loft Crag culminating on the majestic rock stack summit of Pike o’Stickle. Descending via Martcrag Moor and Langdale Combe to join the Cumbria Way’s steep zig zag descent into Mickleden; Completing the trek with ease along the flat-bottomed valley passing the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.

Tackling the two most northerly summits of the Helvellyn range, the walk crosses the Glenderamakin Gap to investigate the British Settlement site before climbing onto Clough Head via Threlkeld Knotts. The open sickle-shaped ridge sweeps down to Calfhow Pike then climbs onto the bare top of Great Dodd. Dipping off the north-eastern slope via Randerside, it veers off the ridge path to skirt Wolf Crags and down to the Old Coach Road at Mariel Bridge, at the foot of Mosedale. Journeying back to Hausewell Brow, to retrace the outwalk, Blencathra, ever more impressive, drenched by the golden light of the evening.

Founded upon the Walna Scar Road visiting The Cove, Goat’s Water and Goat’s Hause. Climb to the impressive rock bastion of Dow Crag before striding south over the subsidiary tops of Buck and Brown Pikes then descend to track down the Walna Scar Road. With time in hand, some walkers may be tempted to gather up the three tops of the continuing Walna Scar ridge, the actual summit plus White Maiden and White Pike, all three excellent viewpoints in their own right.

My good friend Geoff Bland, who has climbed this magnificent mountain every year since 1956 and recently wandered up alone to celebrate his seventy-fifth birthday, calls it Grosse Gabelhorn. I think he picked up on the quip from his old chum Des Oliver, from the Keswick Mountaineering Club, who in turn has climbed a peak by this name in the Swiss Alps. I love the flamboyant inflection.

Outdoor writer Mark Richards highlights the concern for a new wind farm being proposed within half a mile of our the Lake District National Park.  A cause for the OFC to really get their teeth into and make a big, big noise about.  Berrier Hill Wind Farm, if not resisted, will become the first link in a steel noose that will tighten around the National Park.  Should we as fellwalkers and Lakeland 'users' not fight this latest threat to the landscape we so cherish?  Mark discusses the issue in his latest correspondence piece.